Sherburne County commissioners heard a report Tuesday from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a locally run AmeriCorps Seniors program, on the group’s placements and local impact.

The presentation by program staff emphasized the scale of volunteer contributions and the program’s role matching volunteers to community needs. “We are supporting … 1,180 senior volunteers, and those folks gave 131,000 back to our region,” the presenter said, noting the figure is for 2024 and the dollar equivalent is based on the national value of a volunteer hour.

Nut graf: Commissioners were told RSVP volunteers work at food shelves, senior dining sites, transportation programs and youth literacy efforts across Sherburne County and neighboring counties, and that the program provides supports such as transportation reimbursement and volunteer insurance to keep volunteers engaged.

Program coordinator Amy Johnson, who said she started in April, described the program’s local footprint and its matching work: “Because we bring them in for enrollment and get to know our volunteers and understand what they want to do, we talk to our community partners and understand what their needs are, and then we make the match. And that's where the magic happens.” Johnson showed a map listing 36 Sherburne County partner organizations and said volunteers support both ongoing and one‑time events.

Volunteers who addressed the commission described direct activities. Andy, a reader‑theater volunteer, told commissioners the program’s sessions can “spark” children and encourage reading. Other volunteers described delivering meals, transporting residents to medical appointments and mentoring youth.

Commissioners asked few questions and thanked RSVP staff for outreach and for connecting older adults with meaningful roles. The board did not take any formal vote on funding at the meeting; RSVP staff asked commissioners to continue referring volunteer needs and local nonprofit partners to the program.

Ending: RSVP said it offers modest supports — including mileage reimbursement and volunteer recognition — and requested county officials remember the program when they see community needs that could be filled by senior volunteers.